MARKETS staff in Huddersfield are celebrating another award.

Holmfirth Farmers’ Market has been named as a runner-up in a national awards scheme.

This latest success comes hard on the heels of the news that Queensgate Market was named as Market of the Year.

The Holmfirth Farmers’ Market was the first in the North of England and has now been running for 15 years.

The award has come from FARMA, which is a co-operative of farmers, producers selling on a local scale, and farmers’ markets organisers.

FARMA works throughout the UK and is the largest organisation of its type in the world, representing direct sales to customers through farm shops, pick-your-own, farmers’ markets, home delivery, on-farm catering and farm entertainment.

The award was presented by TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

The Holmfirth market, which will be staged again tomorrow, has been accredited by FARMA since the scheme was started 10 years ago and this certification means shoppers can buy with confidence – knowing that all produce is from a 40-mile radius of the market.

The market was selected as a finalist in the FARMA awards because of the quality of stallholders, the excellent partnership working between the council and the stallholders and the importance of the market to the wider town centre.

Almost 100 entries were submitted for the awards. Holmfirth was visited by the judging panel in October 2012 and then selected as one of six finalists in January.

Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Cabinet member for Investment and Regeneration, said: “The awards, known collectively as the ‘FARMAs’, recognise farm shops, farmers’ markets, pick-your own and farm destination sites, which stand out from the crowd in 2013.

“They exemplify a passion for local food, a commitment to farming and the environment, a talent for retail, and the fruits of a lot of hard work.

“Holmfirth Farmers’ Market was the first in the North of England and is still amongst the best.”

Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary, said: “These businesses have won the admiration and allegiance of many people in their communities as great places to shop, and these awards now recognise their excellence as retailers, farmers and producers. It’s an achievement of which they can all be very proud.”

The Holmfirth Farmers’ Market takes place on the third Sunday of each month from 9am to 2pm.

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